Spring Break
'Here we come a caroling'
By: Emily Baker
Issue date: 12/5/05 Section: Aggielife
The tradition of Christmas caroling has been around for more than 200 years. From its inception in medieval times, when bards and minstrels infused music with storytelling, caroling has seen rises and falls in popularity. While some may see it as a dying tradition, caroling has continued to thrive in neighborhoods, churches and retirement communities.
The rules of caroling are elastic. While those who can carry a tune are welcome to sing along, most students of caroling etiquette recommend that those who can sing, do so, but those who can't, politely hum along.
For some people, however, hearing carolers outside their door can be a daunting reality. Some may hide in a back room until the carolers leave, while others may run to the door and belt out "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." According to caroling experts, when carolers arrive singing at the door, it is polite to expect five or so minutes of caroling and to join in softly. It is also standard practice to offer holiday treats to carolers, especially if it is cold outside.
Caroling has been a standing holiday tradition for hundreds of years because it is an effective way to bring a group together. Brought to the States from jolly ol' England, caroling began as a tradition called "mumming." Mumming is a form of singing that calls on unmarried males to learn ballads that are recited in pubs in return for drink and money. The men are able to gather a substantial income from mumming throughout the holiday season.
The majority of the carols still around are from traditional hymns and church ballads. From "Angels We Have Heard on High" to "O Come, All Ye Faithful," the trick about carols is that most people know them.
For instance, the traditional carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" began as a memory game between singers where each bard added on to the last element of Christmas, challenging the next singer to remember the list. "Silent Night" had less fortunate origins. The organ at the local church in Oberndorf, Austria, broke the night before Christmas. The priest of the church remembered a poem he had written years before and sang it on Christmas Eve, replacing the organ. The song was a hit and has stood the test of time.
Despite caroling's roots, few carolers expect monetary donations for their work; rather, caroling is about enjoying the season. Next time a group of carolers comes to the door, remember holiday cheer. Enjoy the holiday songs, eat a Christmas cookie and sing along.
The rules of caroling are elastic. While those who can carry a tune are welcome to sing along, most students of caroling etiquette recommend that those who can sing, do so, but those who can't, politely hum along.
For some people, however, hearing carolers outside their door can be a daunting reality. Some may hide in a back room until the carolers leave, while others may run to the door and belt out "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." According to caroling experts, when carolers arrive singing at the door, it is polite to expect five or so minutes of caroling and to join in softly. It is also standard practice to offer holiday treats to carolers, especially if it is cold outside.
Caroling has been a standing holiday tradition for hundreds of years because it is an effective way to bring a group together. Brought to the States from jolly ol' England, caroling began as a tradition called "mumming." Mumming is a form of singing that calls on unmarried males to learn ballads that are recited in pubs in return for drink and money. The men are able to gather a substantial income from mumming throughout the holiday season.
The majority of the carols still around are from traditional hymns and church ballads. From "Angels We Have Heard on High" to "O Come, All Ye Faithful," the trick about carols is that most people know them.
For instance, the traditional carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" began as a memory game between singers where each bard added on to the last element of Christmas, challenging the next singer to remember the list. "Silent Night" had less fortunate origins. The organ at the local church in Oberndorf, Austria, broke the night before Christmas. The priest of the church remembered a poem he had written years before and sang it on Christmas Eve, replacing the organ. The song was a hit and has stood the test of time.
Despite caroling's roots, few carolers expect monetary donations for their work; rather, caroling is about enjoying the season. Next time a group of carolers comes to the door, remember holiday cheer. Enjoy the holiday songs, eat a Christmas cookie and sing along.
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